Album Review :: Haim - Days Are Gone

Haim

Days Are Gone

September 30 2013 (Polydor)

7/10


Words: Dave Beech


Often, when there's a buzz surrounding your debut album, it adds certain pressures; pressures, it seem, that can make or break an album. When that pressure is having won the BBC Sound of 2013, having fended off the likes of AlunaGeorge and Chvrches to do so, a whole different kind of pressure is brought to the fore. Thankfully, LA's sister act Haim's much anticipated début 'Days Are Gone' was recorded, seemingly oblivious to hype that was mounting around it and is an effortless display of 1990s r'n'b cool, alt-folk melody and subtle yet staple classic rock influences.

As far as Haim go, there has been some iteration of the band for as long as the girls can remember: “We've been playing together for over 15 years...” illumed Danielle, the eldest of the three siblings. From the days of playing country fairs with their parents as family band Rockenhaim to the hyper-corporate gig as The Valli Girls, right down to their present day line up (completed by drummer Dash Hutton) music flows through the trio like lifeblood.

With all three siblings proficient in several instruments each, not to mention their rich yet eclectic musical history, it goes without saying that the music produced by Haim isn't your usual run of the mill indie or 'soulful' pop one's come to expect from a BBC Sound of... winner. Beginning with third single 'Falling', the band immediately distil a sleek and smooth r'n'b vibe that sees itself forming the backbone of the entire album. Following track and first single 'Forever' is sped up from it's single release, driven forward by an off kilter staccato melody, though still holds it's own. Most recent release 'The Wire' however, is a polished and sugary sweet pop track that has drawn numerous, confused comparisons to Shania Twain.

It is worth noticing just how polished 'Days Are Gone' sounds when compared to the band's demo tracks, something which can undoubtedly be attributed to their major label backing. This isn't a criticism of Haim, the universality they've achieved with the record is impressive and there really is a little something for everyone here, however the energy and the rawness of their live shows has been lost amidst squeaky clean production and irresistible pop hooks.

One notable inclusion that subverts the saccharine tendencies of the rest of the album is 'My Song 5' a gritty garage rock amalgam that takes stock from the staccato melodies of other tracks and builds on them effortlessly; as a track it offsets the whole tone of the album and couldn't come at a more perfect time.

Whilst 'Days Are Gone' is a fantastic pop album, and it probably, at least to some extent, does live up to the hype that's surrounded it's release, those expecting a rawer, less produced sound are going to be disappointed. And while their r'n'b influences do still play a role in the albums composition, there's far more elements that smack of 80s nostalgia than 90s grooves and it goes without saying that Haim are going to have find a way to bridge the gap between performing band and recording artists; those that are introduced to the band through 'Days Are Gone' will undoubtedly get a shock when the recorded polish is tarnished and the perpetual gurns the girls have whilst playing live, set upon their faces.